You've been wearing glasses since third grade, or perhaps you've struggled with contact lenses for decades. Either way, you're ready for a change.
Vision correction surgery has never been more advanced, safe, or customizable. Determining which of the three main procedures, LASIK, PRK, or EVO ICL, will best serve your unique eyes, lifestyle, and vision goals is the first step to greater visual freedom.
Keep reading to learn more about the vision correction procedures available, and which of them may be right for you!
LASIK is a popular vision surgery that can correct vision in people who have farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. In this procedure, your LASIK surgeon will use a femtosecond laser to make a thin flap in the outer layer of the cornea.
They'll lift and fold the flap partially back to access the underlying corneal tissue known as the stroma. Then, using an excimer laser programmed to align with your specific measurements, they’ll remove microscopic amounts of corneal tissue to correct your refractive error, allowing you to see clearly with minimal to no need for visual aids.
Once the reshaping process is complete, they’ll carefully reposition the flap. The corneal flap functions like a protective bandage and begins healing almost immediately. No sutures are required.
You may be a candidate for LASIK if you meet the following requirements:
You’re at least 18 years old
Your corneas are normal thickness
Your prescription hasn’t changed much in the past year
You have healthy eyes
Your overall systemic health is generally good
You’re not currently pregnant
Your refractive error is within the range that can be safely treated with LASIK (sweet spot is typically -0.50 to -8.00)
PRK is another laser eye surgery used to address farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure is similar to LASIK, but one of the initial first steps is different.
During your PRK procedure, your surgeon will completely remove the epithelium or skin layer on the cornea instead of making a flap like with LASIK. Then, just like LASIK they’ll reshape your cornea with a programmed laser to treat your refractive error and improve the clarity of your vision.
Finally, your PRK surgeon will place a contact lens bandage over your eye to protect it as the skin layer heals. Unlike LASIK, PRK has a longer recovery time. That's because the epithelium takes about 3 to 7 days to completely regenerate, and during this period, your vision is likely to be blurry.
To qualify for PRK, you need to meet the following criteria:
You’re 18 years or older
Your eyes are healthy
You have good overall systemic health
Your prescription hasn’t changed for at least a year
Your refractive error falls within the treatable range of PRK (sweet spot is typically -0.50 to -8.00)
You’re not currently pregnant or nursing
Your ophthalmologist may recommend PRK if you don’t qualify for LASIK because of:
You may be a PRK candidate if you can't have LASIK because your corneas are too thin for the creation of a flap. LASIK requires adequate corneal thickness to safely create the corneal flap without compromising the eye’s structural integrity.
PRK can be a better choice if you are an athlete, work in high-risk environments such as law enforcement or the military, or if you participate in competitive or contact sports like martial arts, football, hockey, or basketball.
The procedure eliminates the risk of corneal flap complications that can happen with LASIK. No corneal flap means there’s no risk of dislocation during these activities.
PRK can be a better option if you have chronic mild to moderate dry eyes.
The ICL in EVO ICL is short for Implantable Collamer Lens. Unlike LASIK and PRK, EVO ICL is an additive technology that corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism without removing any corneal tissue.
During the procedure, your EVO ICL surgeon will insert a thin biocompatible lens in front of the natural lens of your eye and behind your iris. The new lens is custom made for your eye and ensures that the light entering your eye focuses accurately on the retina, providing clear, crisp vision.
To be a candidate for EVO ICL, you should meet the following eligibility requirements:
You're between the ages of 21 and 45 years old
You’re in good general systemic health
You have healthy eyes
You have maintained a stable prescription for at least one year
You have moderate to severe nearsightedness or astigmatism
When is EVO ICL a Good Option?
You may want to consider EVO ICL if:
Unlike laser procedures, which can aggravate dry eye symptoms for some predisposed people, EVO ICL doesn't affect tear production.
EVO ICL is the only vision correction procedure that can be reversed. This makes it a great option for those who wish to improve their vision but are unsure about making the change a permanent one.
The best way to decide which procedure can meet your lifestyle goals is through a comprehensive evaluation with an experienced ophthalmologist.
They’ll consider factors such as your medical history, corneal thickness, refractive error, eye health, personal preferences, and lifestyle to determine the most suitable procedure.
The journey to clear, unaided vision starts with a comprehensive assessment at Providence Eye & Laser Specialists. Our experienced ophthalmologists will guide you through the process and recommend the best procedure that meets your visual needs and lifestyle goals.
Are you interested in LASIK, PRK, or EVO ICL? Schedule your free, no obligation vision surgery consultation with Dr. Trey Nunnery at Providence Eye & Laser Specialists in Charlotte, NC, to take the first step toward a future without glasses or contact lenses.
